MicroRNA-335-5p modulates spatial memory and hippocampal synaptic plasticity

- miR-335-5p down-regulation is proposed as a mechanism necessary to stabilize plasticity and spatial memory.
- Down-regulation of miRNA-335-5p expression in the hippocampus is demonstrated after Morris Water maze training.
- Overexpression miRNA-335-5p impairs spatial memory.
- miRNA-335-5p down regulation is necessary for hippocampal LTP maintenance.

MicroRNAs are endogenous, noncoding RNAs crucial for the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. In this study, we investigated the role of miR-335-5p in spatial learning and synaptic plasticity. To this end we first showed spatial learning induced down-regulation of miR-335-5p. Next we found impairment in long-term memory and reduction in hippocampal long-term potentiation by exogenous administration of the miRNA. These findings demonstrate that miR-335-5p is a key coordinator of the intracellular pathways that mediate experience-dependent changes in the brain.

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